Who’s Hot, Who’s Not: MLS Offseason Edition

From time to time it is good to take a step back and see who is doing well and who is doing poorly. Since it is the offseason and we’re really getting into the meat of the offseason, I felt today was a good time to dive into a little Who’s Hot and Who’s Not kind of post.

Some teams have been very busy this winter while a few out there have not done enough or at least are waiting patiently for the transfer window to open up next week.

It’s all subjective here too, so if you’re club isn’t listed below don’t take offense. Same goes if your club is listed in the dreaded “not” list. Sorry folks, I just call it like I see it – the draft and transfer window will certainly help change my mind as to who did well this offseason and who did not. I do plan on revisiting this around mid-February to see what kind of changes there are too.

Who’s Hot

Sporting KC – It seems as though they’ve made sure they want to get back to the Eastern Conference finals and actually get to the MLS Cup with the moves they’ve been making. They lost Roger Espinzola to the EPL but in return got to keep Matt Besler, traded for Ike Opara and Benny Feilhaber (two very good moves) and signed Designed Player Claudio Bieler.

Portland Timbers – Caleb Porter wasted no time rebuilding his new team. A lot of new faces thanks to some quality trades include Will Johnson from RSL and Michael Harrington from Sporting KC. They could still be working to get Mix Diskured as well. Portland also got Mobi Fehr, re-signed Danny Mwanga and landed Homegrown Player rights to Akron defender Bryan Gallego. I don’t think Porter is done by a long shot this winter either. If he can land a playmaker in the middle and unload Kris Boyd, I think you will be able to call it a successful winter in the Rose City.

New York Red Bulls – I do believe the Red Bulls have a few more moved left to go before we can claim that they are a true contender still in the East. But unloading the anchor that was weighing them down in Rafa Marquez was a good start. Also landing Fabian Espindola and Jamison Olave was good too. Kenny Cooper still seems to be on his way out the door and that could unload some quality space for a big time DP – Kaka anyone?

Who’s Not

FC Dallas – They’ve made a few moves, some good (Peter Luccin will work, I am drinking that kool-aid), and others that left folks in Dallas angry (not re-signing Kevin Hartman). But the real problem continues to be what the club is doing in their front office with regards to CEO Doug Quinn. Not much as been said since he took a leave of absence but some fans are getting restless about that situation. At some point the club will have to move on from him as the CEO.

Chivas USA – They have a new coach and a new GM but overall the Goats haven’t really made any big splashes that say they’re on their way to competing again in the Western Conference. The next couple of weeks will have to be big in order to generate some excitement about this club in 2013.

Montreal Impact – I find myself still wondering where this club is going next. No new coach as of today and it makes you wonder if there is an actual plan going on up there.